What, you don't think an upgraded bike would make you faster. You don't have to be worthy of a new bike or need one all you have to do is be able to afford it. Excuse me I'm actually talking to myself justifying my next bike. No rational justification for it other than it's my retirement gift to myself so I'm going for it.
I don't take off the chain to clean it either. Granted I don't do a lot of riding in sloppy conditions but every couple of weeks I run the chain with White Lightning Clean Streak. I lube the chain with Rock n Roll Absolute Dry. Best lube I've ever used for dry conditions.
BTW I ride on Zipp 303's very happy with them. They are my everyday wheel and have held up well so far. About 15months or 9000 miles on them.
I've never had a problem with the flask. Sometimes it's difficult to get the last bit out while riding. What I usually do is add a bit of water to make it more of a liquid than a syrup. Haven't dropped one yet.
22.3 miles including Tempo Intervals. 2 x 20 min w/10 min recovery. My buddy, who is faster than me, let me suck his wheel to keep me honest. A lot of pain, great workout.
Does that road hazard thing cover body work? I was at the Costco in Sunset Park (Bklyn) on Monday and that parking lot was like driving in downtown Beirut. I was lucky to escape unscathed.
Oh yea, the wild salmon filets are winners.